New research released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) highlights the importance of culturally grounded training to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners in vocational education and training (VET).
The report, Place‑based and culturally responsive VET for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners, examines how place‑based approaches and culturally responsive teaching can be more effectively integrated and practiced across the VET sector to strengthen learner engagement, experience and employment outcomes.
The report identifies key elements of good practice in culturally responsive training delivered through place-based approaches, finding that effective approaches are Aboriginal led and underpinned by strong community relationships. This includes employing and supporting Aboriginal staff, tailoring training to individual learner needs and creating local employment pathways through partnerships with Aboriginal employers, community organisations and industry.
The research highlights that culturally responsive practice is a shared ethical responsibility across the VET sector, not limited to Aboriginal‑led providers. It further suggests that the identified elements of good practice can be adopted more broadly to support this shared responsibility. All educators have a role in building cultural capability and creating inclusive learning environments.
'Our research shows that culturally responsive and place‑based training are most effective when understood as foundational rather than supplementary,' NCVER Managing Director, John King, said. 'When learners feel culturally safe and connected to Country and community, the benefits extend beyond individual outcomes to communities and the broader VET system.'
The report highlights clear benefits of effective place‑based learning grounded in culturally responsive practice, including improved employment outcomes, qualification completion and personal development. Strong and sustained partnerships between training providers, employers and community organisations are identified as critical to achieving successful and sustainable outcomes in both remote and urban contexts.
Ongoing challenges are also identified, including delivery costs, access to sustainable funding and the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff, particularly in remote areas. Learners may also face barriers such as lower English literacy, competing work and family commitments and difficulty navigating pathways into employment.
NCVER’s research highlights the importance of coordinated, long-term support to embed culturally responsive practice, including authentic place-based approaches, across the Australian VET sector.
Background:
This research aimed to investigate how place-based approaches and culturally responsive teaching can be integrated into VET more effectively and potentially more broadly, thereby leading to more meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
These strategies were investigated through case studies of three Aboriginal-led registered training organisations (RTOs). The case studies involved interviews with trainers, students and employers to gain their knowledge and expertise to better understand how to practically implement place-based and culturally responsive approaches in VET.
The project was sponsored by the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the South Australian Department for Education, and the New South Wales Department of Education.
Download the report: Place-based and culturally responsive VET for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.
Enquiries: Elise Stone P: +61 8 8230 8443 E: communications@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.